Based by the sea in south-west England, Bournemouth University (BU) focuses on producing future-ready graduates, with every student able to take a work placement as part of their course. All courses are run by the university's three faculties and business school:
A Bournemouth University degree means practical, real-world experience that complements students' education and prepares them for a truly global career. Prospective applicants can visit the university's student blog to hear from current students and how they found their degree of difference.
Bournemouth University is a research-driven institution which undertakes pioneering work into some of the most significant global challenges faced by society. The quality of its research output has recently been recognised in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) assessment, in which 94% of its research was rated as ‘internationally recognised'.
Student reviewers have been positive about their time at Bournemouth University, with many saying they've enjoyed their course and the university experience as a whole. The university organises an extensive programme of student enrichment and supports a community of sports teams who compete around the UK. A degree from Bournemouth is much more than a qualification, it is an experience and an asset in the search for graduate employment.
Bournemouth University students on Whatuni say:
''Bournemouth is a great uni and has such a happy chill vibe!''
''It is a pretty good university and my course is really informative.''
''Overall I am enjoying my time here at Bournemouth university.''
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.14.0
4.4Bournemouth University has two campuses: Lansdowne, in the town centre, and Talbot, which is on the northern outskirts. Both campuses have libraries, and subject specific facilities include a Sony HD TV studio, music studio, fully functioning ambulance and a crime scene training centre.
Bournemouth University is proud of its social facilities, including sport facilities and a range of places to eat and drink across both campuses.
Bournemouth University is committed to investing in its campus facilities so that all its students can maximise their talents today and into the future.
Bournemouth University students on Whatuni say:
''Love the study spaces available.''
''Friendly, open and safe campus.''
''The best parts are the community feel and the facilities on campus, they are really nice and very new.''
Bournemouth is a seaside town on England's south coast, best known for its long, sandy beaches – indeed, many student reviewers highlighted proximity to the sea as one of their highlights of studying at BU. The town has plenty more to offer, with numerous bars and cafes to enjoy, and London within easy reach by train.
4.0Many of the university's courses are accredited or validated by professional organisations.
Students on all courses have the chance to do a work placement, at home or abroad. Some last for 30 weeks and take place after second year, while others are shorter and taken throughout the course.
Placements test the skills and knowledge learned during the course in a ‘real world' environment, adding practical experience to each students' CV.
There's an annual Graduate and Placements Fair, and students can receive guidance from the CareersBU Team and gain contacts of expert academic staff, many of whom have worked in, or still work in, their field.
This careers-focused approach produces real results: 91.1% of Bournemouth University undergraduates are in employment or further study fifteen months after graduating from university (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2019/20), which indicates the university's success in producing career-ready graduates.
Student reviewers have been impressed with the careers support received, and availability of placements.
4.1BU accommodation is guaranteed to all first-year students (2023 entry) who have submitted their UCAS application by the relevant deadlines and hold an Unconditional Firm offer. There are seven halls available to undergraduates:
Bournemouth University students on Whatuni say:
''It is a good accommodation.''
''The rooms were nice and the staff were friendly.''
''Really good security and people working there - always on hand. And in a good location to town and uni.''
BU Maintenance Bursary (UK)
Eligible students for 2024 entry with a household income of below £16,000 can get up to £2,400 over the duration of their course. Bursaries are awarded automatically to eligible students who have completed an income assessment as part of their student finance application.
BU Care Leavers Bursary (UK)
Students are eligible for up to £9,000 over three years of study if they have been in full-time care for at least three months in the past five years, and have a household income below £25,000 (2024 entry).
BU Sport Scholarship
Between £500 and £5,000 is available for 2024 entry students who can demonstrate excellence in their chosen sport and compete in regional, national and international squads.
BU Music Scholarships
A package worth £600 is available for 2024 entry if a student has reached Grade 8 (or equivalent) in their instrument or voice. Applicants must demonstrate plans to develop musically and take lessons with a university tutor.
Bournemouth University uses the UCAS Tariff, and entry requirements vary from course to course. Offers will typically be granted based on an applicant's three main graded qualifications, including any required subjects. Entry requirements vary on a course-by-course basis, and prospective students are encouraged to visit the university website for more detailed information regarding their chosen course. Some courses require attendance of an interview, or submission of a small portfolio of work.
Since programmes at Bournemouth University are delivered in English, all prospective students for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate a minimum level of language proficiency to ensure that they are at the required level to begin their studies. Assessment covers all four of the fundamental components of English — reading, writing, speaking and listening. To be accepted onto any bachelor's course, students must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each band.
September 2023 entry undergraduate fees:
Bournemouth University offers an impressive selection of more than 120 undergraduate degrees, spanning 17 different subject areas, along with some foundation degrees and top-up courses. Across Bournemouth University, there are nearly 1,200 members of academic staff working to deliver an education which many student reviewers were highly impressed by, commenting on the insight and experience of their lecturers.
Class sizes are usually kept to 20-25 students, which means plenty of contact time with tutors and lecturers, as well as more opportunities for individual feedback. Staff are encouraging and enthusiastic, and are able to communicate their knowledge to students from all backgrounds. Many of them have spent years working in industry, and can also provide key insights into professional work, as well as access to employment-related contacts.
The university is continuously working to improve its teaching quality, and incorporates new and innovate technologies into their course design. Their cutting-edge virtual learning environment (VLE) is a fantastic platform of resources and services which students can access from anywhere and at any time.
Bournemouth University students on Whatuni say:
''Every unit is exciting and fun.''
''It's good because there's lots of independence and the teaching quality is good.''
''The professors are really informative and teach really well.''
The Bournemouth Business School is accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Research areas include the effects of tourism, sport, taxation, disaster management and regulation.
The Faculty of Media & Communication is recognised as the only centre for excellence in media practice in the UK. It has long been a hub for journalism training and research, while its animation graduates have worked on several Hollywood Oscar-winning films.
The Faculty of Science & Technology's areas of research include forensic archaeology and crime scene science. The university is a world leader in education and research for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The Health & Social Sciences faculty's work studies dementia, midwifery, nutrition, public health issues and mental health.
94% of Bournemouth University research was rated as internationally recognised or higher, with 19% ranked as world leading in REF2021. Full information about its recent research success and rankings is available online.
Bournemouth University students on Whatuni say:
''Good mix of practical, theory and research based assignment.''
''The best aspects are how interesting the units are and the fact that it might be useful for my future career.''
''The lecturers are all supportive, knowledgeable and approachable.''
Bournemouth's sports clubs and societies provide a great opportunity for extra-curricular enrichment. There are close to 100 clubs and societies, ranging from the performing arts society to groups for climbers and gamers.
The university has generally positive reviews from student reviewers who have got involved with societies and clubs at BU in particular praising the range of clubs available.
4.2Bournemouth University's Students' Union (SUBU) is run by four full-time officers and has close to 100 clubs and societies, as well as its student media outlet Nerve Media. The SU exists to represent students at the university, and offers a social hub with bars, cafes and a regular schedule of events.
Student reviewers who had experience with the union felt represented and enjoyed the facilities and events.
Bournemouth University students on Whatuni say:
''Student life is really good.''
''The best aspect of university is the social aspect.''
''Good sports teams.''
4.1Bournemouth University has a range of services – from Wellbeing Advisors to a Medical Centre, and from AskBU to their Additional Learning Support scheme – that can help with any kind of issue or need. Their friendly and approachable support team are the first point of contact for students experiencing any academic or personal issues while at university, and they can give general advice or refer the individual to more specialist services where needed.
A wellbeing advisor can offer practical help with difficulties such as stress, panic, worry or eating and sleeping problems, while a confidential counselling service is also available, along with drop-in support. There's also Grow@BU, a programme to help students develop as learners and as individuals. Their multi-faith chaplaincy provides support to all students. The Students' Union, SUBU, also offers a wide range of advice services.
Student reviewers were complimentary about the support services at Bournemouth University, praising the quality of the support they received and mentioning how well looked after they felt.
Bournemouth University students on Whatuni say:
''I've personally enjoyed the majority of my lecturers and found them to be helpful and easily accessible when needed.''
''Tutors and lecturers are really professional. They are always ready to help and answer all your questions.''
''The work placements are great, and the teams are highly supportive.''
4.3
